Auli'i Cravalho Is Nobody's Disney Princess

Disney princesses are the ultimate girl-power squad. But things have changed in a major way since Snow White hit the scene in 1938. These days we want female characters who kick butt, take names and don't need a man. Look no further than Disney's latest animated tale, Moana.

Voicing the title role is 15-year-old newcomer Auli'i Cravalho. Like her character, Auli'i is a native Polynesian. (Polynesia is a region that encompasses more than 1,000 islands in the Pacific Ocean, including some in Auli'i's home state of Hawaii.) If her down-to-earth attitude and infectious charm are any indication, this won't be her last role.

We had a chance to chat with Auli'i on Facebook Live about what Moana means for Polynesian representation, what it was like to work with beloved celebs like Lin-Manuel Miranda, and why she misses trig class so much.

I didn't initially audition because I was a freshman in high school, and high school was confusing as it was! [I connected with Disney when] my friends and I put together an a cappella audition for a nonprofit event. We didn't get in, but the woman who was doing those auditions was also the casting director for Disney. She contacted me and asked if I wanted to try out for Moana. Thank goodness I said yes.

Before Moana, who was your favorite Disney princess or heroine?

Mulan, definitely Mulan. I thought that even at a young age she totally broke that gender norm. And she did it headstrong. She also really respected, loved and carried her family wherever she went, which is something that I want to do. No matter where I go, I want to carry my family.

How was working with The Rock?

That deserves a question because he's amazing. He's really kind. Not that I was expecting him to be mean, but he's had so much success but yet he's still deeply rooted to his culture and still has that aloha spirit that I really like.

And Lin-Manuel Miranda?

Ahhh he's amazing. I got to sing with him. It's also on the Disney Animation Instagram and it's so sweet. His mind is just always running. I mean, Hamilton — that just takes genius. He really is. No amount of words can describe him.

How was it balancing this whole project with being a 15-year-old in school?

Definitely busy. Homework — it's something we do whether it's in the car or in the room, on an airplane. ... It still gets done. My mom keeps me grounded and all that. She makes me do chores.

What are some of the silliest questions you've been asked by people who aren't from Hawaii?

I got asked if we have wi-fi. It's like, Errrm, OK. Coconut Wireless: That's all we get.

What's your favorite aspect of Hawaii?

The people. Definitely the people. For instance, we're in New York. People are a little different in New York — I almost got run over by a biker. But yeah, the people in Hawaii definitely have that aloha spirit which, in my idea of it, is knowing who you are but also wanting everyone to be happy like you are.

Do you think Hawaii is represented well in the film?

I think the entire Polynesian culture is so well seen in this movie. Disney has been researching this film for five years. So it's done really well, and I'm proud of it. I'm Hawaiian, and I can honestly say I'm proud of this film.

Allie Kircher

What do you miss most about home when you're traveling?

My friends. I love [doing interviews]. This is so much fun. But I'm missing school. I miss just the camaraderie of classmates struggling with trig.

What do you think of Moana being one of the first princesses not to have a prince?

Moana doesn't have a love interest because this movie is about a journey — a physical one across hundreds and hundreds of miles of ocean, but also an emotional one of Moana finding herself. She doesn't need a man or love interest to find herself.

Anything else you want to tell us about the movie?

I think [this movie is] really important because it's inspired by Polynesia. Polynesia's a real place, guys, and I'm Polynesian. Historians can tell you that Polynesians were the greatest navigators in the world, and I hope that all of you are inspired to maybe not journey across the ocean like Moana does, but to journey to find yourself.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Seventeen participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.